Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Free .com.np Domains via Mercantile
One of the greatest digital advantages in Nepal is the availability of completely free official country-code top-level domains (ccTLD). Administered by Mercantile Communication Pvt. Ltd. through register.com.np, Nepali citizens and registered businesses can register and renew .com.np, .org.np, and .edu.np domains without any annual licensing fees. Despite being free, many applications are rejected due to mismatched documentation or incomplete application letters.
Strategic Executive Summary
- Core Insight: Personal domains must strictly match the applicant's name as stated on their Nepali citizenship certificate (e.g. Safal Bhurtel qualifies for safalbhurtel.com.np or bhurtelsafal.com.np ). Company domains must strictly match the registered company name.
- Production Quality: Battle-tested engineering techniques designed specifically for Nepal's network infrastructure and business environment.
- Direct Implementation: Copy-paste ready code architectures with security safeguards against race conditions, data corruption, and unauthorized access.
Table of Contents
1. Required Documentation Checklist
Before submitting your application, prepare digital copies formatted in JPG or PNG with file sizes strictly under 200KB per image:
- For Personal Applicants: Clear scan of Nepali Citizenship Certificate (both front and back sides) or valid Nepali Passport.
- For Businesses & Organizations: Company Registration Certificate (from Office of Company Registrar or local municipality), PAN / VAT registration certificate, and formal authorization letter on official company letterhead.
- Official Cover Letter / Application Letter: Signed by the individual or authorized company representative.
2. Ready-to-Use Cover Letter Template (Personal Application)
Copy, modify, print, sign, and scan this standard application letter:
To,
The HostMaster,
Mercantile Communication Pvt. Ltd.,
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Subject: Request for registration of personal domain [yourname.com.np]
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally request the registration of the domain name "[yourname.com.np]" under my name. I am a citizen of Nepal and intend to use this domain name for hosting my personal portfolio, technical publications, and academic projects.
I have attached a scanned copy of my Nepali Citizenship Certificate for identity verification. I agree to abide by all the terms and conditions established by the .np ccTLD registry.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Contact: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
Address: [Your City/Municipality, Nepal]
[Your Signature]3. Nameserver Configuration Before Submission
Mercantile validates that designated nameservers are functional. Setting up nameservers prior to submitting prevents verification delays. For optimal performance and DDoS protection, configure free Cloudflare nameservers:
- Primary Name Server:
ns1.cloudflare.com(or your designated Cloudflare assigned nameserver) - Secondary Name Server:
ns2.cloudflare.com
4. Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them
- Name Discrepancy: Requesting generic names (e.g.
bestnepalnews.com.nportechguru.com.np) under personal citizenship. Personal applications are only approved for direct variations of your legal name. - Low Resolution or Cropped Scans: If text, dates, or government seals on the citizenship card are unreadable, the application is rejected.
- File Size Exceeding Limits: Uploading images larger than 200KB. Use an image compressor before upload.
5. Verification Timeline and DNS Propagation
Once submitted through register.com.np, Mercantile staff manually inspect documents during regular business hours (Sunday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM NPT). Approvals typically complete within 24 to 72 hours. Once approved, DNS propagation to global resolving servers takes between 2 to 12 hours.
Official Technical Documentation & Reference Sources:
